Safeguarding Policy
Last updated: June 2025
Our commitment
BotLab Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We believe every child has the right to feel safe in our sessions. All staff and volunteers share this responsibility.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for all safeguarding matters and is the first point of contact for any concerns. Contact details are provided to parents and schools at the time of booking.
DBS checks
All BotLab Academy instructors and volunteers who work with young people hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate. Certificates are renewed on a rolling basis and are available for inspection on request.
Staff training
All staff complete safeguarding awareness training before working with young people. Training covers recognising signs of abuse or neglect, how to respond to a disclosure, and how to report concerns. Training is refreshed annually.
Ratios and supervision
We maintain a minimum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:8 in all sessions. Students are never left unsupervised. No instructor is ever alone with a single student.
Photography and consent
BotLab Academy does not photograph or film students without written parental or guardian consent obtained at the time of booking. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by contacting us. Images of students are never shared on public channels without explicit consent.
Reporting concerns
Any member of staff who is concerned about the welfare of a child will follow our reporting procedure: concerns are documented immediately and referred to the DSL, who will liaise with relevant statutory agencies if required. We follow local authority safeguarding procedures at all times.
Parents and guardians who have a concern about their child's welfare in our sessions are encouraged to speak to the DSL directly.
Behaviour and conduct
We expect all students, staff and parents to treat one another with respect. Bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated. Any incident is documented and addressed promptly.
Online safety
Where students use laptops or other devices in sessions, access is supervised and restricted to the tools and platforms required for the session. Students are not permitted to access social media or unrelated websites during BotLab Academy sessions.
Contact
To request a copy of our full safeguarding policy, raise a concern, or verify a DBS certificate, please contact us at hello@botlabacademy.co.uk.